Can I apply for Green List jobs from overseas?

If you’re currently outside New Zealand and wondering whether you can apply for Green List jobs, the short answer is: yes, you absolutely can. In fact, many employers expect overseas applicants — especially for high-demand roles.

New Zealand’s Green List, published by Immigration New Zealand, identifies occupations facing long-term skill shortages. These roles are considered critical to the country’s economy and healthcare system, which is why the visa process is often more streamlined.

You can view the official Green List here:
👉 https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/what-we-do/skilled-residence/green-list-occupations

Step 1: Understand What the Green List Actually Means

The Green List includes two main pathways:

1. Straight to Residence Visa – If your occupation is on this tier and you meet all requirements, you may apply directly for residence once you have a job offer from an accredited employer.
2. Work to Residence Visa – You work in New Zealand for 24 months in a Green List role before becoming eligible for residence.

But here’s the key:
👉 You must have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer before applying for either pathway.

Being overseas is not a barrier — but securing the job offer is the critical step.

Step 2: Can Employers Hire You from Overseas?

Yes. Many employers in sectors like healthcare, engineering, IT, and construction regularly hire internationally.

For example:

• Registered Nurses
• Civil Engineers
• ICT Security Specialists
• Secondary School Teachers

However, employers must be accredited under the Accredited Employer Work Visa framework to sponsor your visa.

They’ll typically:

• Interview you online
• Check your qualifications and registration requirements
• Offer a contract conditional on visa approval

Step 3: What You Need Before Applying

Applying from overseas is common — but preparation matters.

You should have:

• A CV tailored to the New Zealand market
• Qualification assessments (if required)
• Professional registration (for regulated roles like nursing or teaching)
• English language test results (if required)

Many applicants underestimate registration timelines. For example, nurses need registration from the Nursing Council of New Zealand before being fully employable.

Step 4: Where to Find Green List Jobs

Start with:

• Seek (seek.co.nz)
• Trade Me Jobs
• LinkedIn Jobs
• Direct employer websites

You can also read our step-by-step guide here:
👉 https://www.brigenai.com/resources/how-to-get-a-job-in-new-zealand-from-overseas

At BRIGENAI, we often advise overseas applicants to focus on accredited employers first, not just job titles. That small shift makes a big difference in success rate.

Common Concern: Will Employers Prefer Onshore Candidates?

Sometimes, yes — especially for entry-level roles.

But for genuine skill shortages (healthcare, infrastructure, tech), employers are very open to offshore talent.

The key is showing:

• Clear visa eligibility
• Immediate availability timeline
• Strong communication skills
• Real understanding of working in New Zealand